What makes a Scottish Fair Scottish? A lone piper, playing the bagpipes and wearing a kilt.This Saturday, Lismore Presbyterian Church on Keen Street (opposite Lismore Centro) will be holding its annual Scottish Fair from 8am till 2pm – and yes, the piper will be playing – but you need to bring your own kilt.Reverend Glenn Samuel said the annual event is a lot of fun and links back to the Presbyterians historical connections to Scotland.“We’ve had the full pipe band in previous years,” he said.“The Scottish Fair is like our monthly Friday church hall bric-a-brac sale, but bigger – it’s on steroids.“As well as lots of second hand bargains, there’s gardening items and clothing. “The ladies who help us fundraise have also been sewing and crafting and will have those for sale too.Money raised from the Fair goes into the community and mission work of the church.“If you’re homeless and need clothes we’ll fill up a bag and give it to you,” Rev Samuel said. “We also run a youth group and a youth camp, and we finance the kids who can’t afford to go.“All our fundraising efforts helps us to give back to the community.”Lismore Show

Lismore’s Bangalow Road at Clunes will see changed traffic conditions from next week. Motorists are advised that Transport for NSW will be rebuilding and widening the road and shoulder on the east of James Gibson Road. Work will be carried out from Monday, October 14 between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and between 8am and 5pm on Saturdays.It is expected to be completed by June 2020, weather permitting.Work on other sections of Lismore Bangalow Road east of Clunes is expected to continue throughout 2020.Work also continues to improve the road surface east of Bexhill near Eltham Road.Traffic in these areas will be reduced to one lane, alternate flow during work hours, with traffic control and a reduced speed limit in place for the safety of workers and motorists.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.Read more: Roadworks Cars For Sale 2012 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hatchback2007 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GX

Laughter as therapy and the future of bio-banking are some of the hot topics to be discussed at next week’s Rural Health and Research Congress.Health professionals from across the state will gather in Lismore for the annual event, now in its eighth year.The Congress has become a peak event on the health calendar attracting leading keynote speakers, academics, clinicians, researchers and health leaders for three days of thought-provoking discussion, insights and networking opportunities.Included in the innovative program are presentations on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, laughter as therapy, the power of conversation, the future of bio-banking and more. This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities” will be explored by a line-up of speakers including local humour therapist Mandy Nolan. The Congress supports continual improvement in health service delivery for rural patients, by providing a forum to present, workshop and network the latest research and trends in rural health and evidence to support best practice.The Congress is organised by the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), with support this year from local host the Northern NSW Local Health District.Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) chief executive, Adjunct Professor, Annette Solman, said in order to maintain and strengthen a world-class rural health system, “we need to further understand the challenges health care professionals face”.“We need to have those conversations about how we can continue to build upon the good work that is occurring to improve health outcomes and celebrate what is working well in rural communities,” she said.“The annual Rural Health and Research Congress provides a unique and crucial opportunity to explore the health requirements of people in rural and remote areas.  “I encourage all health staff and professionals to join us in this discussion.For information about the Congress, visit http://www.nswrhrc.com.auOther speakers at the Congress include:Danielle Dries, Indigenous Allied Health Australia Board Director and GP Registrar with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.Alistair Ferguson: Director and Founder, Maranguka Community HubProfessor Nick Goodwin, Director, Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI)Professor Kathy Eagar, Director, Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI)Associate Professor Murray Killingsworth, Founding Director, NSW Brain Clot Bank, Principal Hospital Scientist, South Western Sydney Pathology Service Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Luke Escombe, Consumer and Creator About Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) supports the NSW Health system through the delivery of innovative education and training for the NSW Health workforce. Working closely with Local Health Districts (LHDs), Specialty Health Networks (SHNs) and other health organisations, HETI identifies needs, develop and delivers health education and training to build workforce capability and improve health outcomes for patients. 

Lovers of the rock n roll era and vintage vehicles, get ready for the Lismore Men’s Shed Show and Shine fundraiser this Sunday.Tullera Hall will see cars, motorbikes and caravans rolling in from far and wide for a day of showing off and retro fun - with live music from Rockabilly band, the Linelockers.Lismore Men and Community Shed president Bob Grieg said it’s only $5 to enter a vehicle in the show, with proceeds going toward establishing the new Men’s Shed at Norco Lane in Lismore.“The cars will match the rock n roll era,” Bob said. “cars from the 1950s, 1960s and some antiques. “it’s going to be a great day.”Bob said he is a lover of motorbikes and a member of Shadow Riders Australia. “I’ve got a Shadow Rider friend coming down from Brisbane on his Honda Shadow – he might enter it in the show.The Men’s Shed is also putting on a fundraising BBQ on the day.“It’ll be bigger than our Bunnings BBQ,” Bob laughed. “We’ll have burgers, sausages and hotdogs and drinks.“It’s also the same day as the Bathurst races and there will be a TV set up for people to watch the car racing.“Kyogle Motor Vehicle Club is hosting it and it will be fun.”The Lismore Men’s Shed Show and Shine will be held at Tullera Hall on Dunoon Road, on Sunday October 13, from 9.30am until 2.30pm.For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2383918125208818/

Writer of Humans of Lismore, Denise Alison, said she “felt sick” when she thought about what people in the Rappville were going though as a result of the bushfires.Read more: Police treat bushfires near Casino as suspicious  So she started a collection of goods to take to Casino Golf Club, which is coordinating the distribution of needed items and cash to affected people in the Richmond Valley area."Cash donations are the first priority," she said.“I just had a new baby stroller and a Best and Less voucher dropped off to my veranda this morning.“There’s a call for non-perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries, baby items, fuel or shop vouchers, pet food and first aid items like burn cream.“I can’t imagine having nothing but the shirt on your back and no future. “If I was in that situation, I’d want help. “Please don’t donate clothes or furniture because these people have no houses and it’s a big issue about where to put things – even their local hall burned down.”Denise is asking people with items to be donated to drop them off to her.  “I have a friend with a ute who’ll be going with me to Casino tomorrow (Friday) to drop the items off.“Thanks in advance Lismore and surrounds - we as a community know how to pull together in these heartbreaking disasters.”You can contact Denise through the Humans of Lismore Facebook page and send her a private message.Rainbow Wholefoods on Terania Street, North Lismore is also acting as a collection depot for the same sorts of goods which will be delivered to Casino Golf Club.Cash donations neededCasino Golf Club has been acting as a meeting place for Richmond Valley residents while the bushfires are creating havoc in their community.The club posted on Facebook that due to an overwhelming demand from individuals wanting to help, it has set up a donation fund. “The club will coordinate the collection of cash donations which will be distributed to people over the coming weeks once the full damage and needs have been assessed,” the club said.If you wish to donate through Casino Golf Club, you can direct deposit money in their Summerland Credit Union accountName - Over the Range Drought FundraiserBSB - 728 728  ACC – 22321292

You might see magpies, rosellas, lorikeets, wrens or willy wagtails - It depends where you look.The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is on this October and organisers are calling for Lismore residents to get involved.All you need to do is to stay in one place for 20 minutes and count birds. It’s one pf Australia’s biggest citizen science events, held from 21-27 October 2019.This national event enables everyone from school children, senior citizens, families and community groups to participate in capturing a snapshot of Australia’s birds. In doing so, citizen scientists play a vital role in providing important information to BirdLife Australia to help increase our understanding of Australian bird species. All it takes is 20 minutes in your backyard, local park, or favourite outdoor space – anywhere you can count birds.Data and results from the Count will be valuable in many ways, such as guiding on-ground management, analysing bird adaptation to local developments, or identifying good ‘birding spots’ for ecotourism.The Aussie Backyard Bird Count only takes place once per year in National Bird Week.Another survey, Birds In Backyards,runs seasonal surveys (four per year) for you to take part in. For more information about the Backyard Bird Count, visit https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/You can submit your counts to the Aussie Backyard Bird Count website or by downloading the Aussie Bird Count app. Visit https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/#app to download the app.The app is also a Field Guide and Bird Finder to help you identify birds.While you’re waiting for the bird count to begin, you can learn more about attracting native birds to your backyard through bird-friendly gardening by visiting https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/gardening/You can also practise your bird identification and get to know the birds in your backyard by downloading the Aussie Bird Count app and using the Field Guide function.

If you’ve got produce to sell in the Lismore area, it’s now ok to just set up your roadside stall on your property - unless you live on Bangalow Road or the Bruxner Highway. At last night’s Lismore City Council meeting, councillors voted to allow the sale of agricultural produce in small scale rural roadside stalls on “classified roads”, without sellers first having to apply for to council for approval.Lismore councillor Vanessa Ekins said there’s community demand for roadside stalls and they are an important way for people to sell surplus produce."A draft council planning proposal to remove roadside stalls from the proposed Exempt Development (development consent not required subject to criteria), would have meant that the stalls could only be located on roads with low traffic volumes - and as such sale volumes would be low," she said.“Last night council amended the proposal so you can have a stall on any road except Bangalow Road and the Bruxner Highway."On those roads, you still need to apply to council for consent.” Ms Ekins said the planning proposals were designed to ensure people’s safety if they pulled over to a stall on the side of a well trafficked road. “Dunoon Road is a classified road with lots of traffic, but one with lots of people who have produce to sell."It's a good example of a road that will benefit from this amendment.“I like to stop and buy things at roadside stalls – like mandarins, avocados, honey, jam, nuts or flowers."Stalls are part of our country landscape – we’ve been doing it for a long time."Roadside stall rulesIf you are going to have a roadside stall, you need to make sure you are only selling agricultural produce.Your stall must not have a footprint greater than four square metres.You can only have one roadside stall on any landholding.Any relevant approval issued under the Roads Act 1993 must be obtained.Your stall must be located on land within Zone RU1 Primary Production.Zone RU1 is the predominant rural zone in the Lismore LGA (85% of the LGA). Zone RU2 in the Lismore LGA is only applied to flood prone areas peripheral to North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore urban zones.  

If you, or someone you know needs help or support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.Looking after our mental health and talking about suicide can be challenging. Tomorrow, October 10, is World Mental Health Day and a free talk at Lismore Regional Gallery looks at how we can support mental health and suicide prevention."Opening Hearts and Minds - how do we talk about suicide?" is part of the Thursday Night Live! talk series and begins at 6pm.The event will be facilitated by Rose Hogan from StandBy NSW Suicide Support, along with a panel of expert speakers. “When we speak of suicide, we speak of people not numbers and accept there will be many grieving this loss,” Rose said.“We open the heart’s capacity for unconditional regard, support and non-judgement knowing my grief experience will be different from yours. “I am here, I walk alongside you."Rose Hogan is a community service provider, educator and strong advocate for collaboration among service providers, acknowledging it takes many to support a healthy, vibrant and diverse community.For the past six years she has managed StandBy - Support after Suicide, a postvention response to support the health and wellbeing of people, including children and young people, bereaved and impacted through suicide loss.Rose will be joined by Luke Rugendyke and Nerida Barclay from Headspace, Ben Karsay from Beyond Empathy and Colin Marsh from Rekindling The Spirit.The Slate Gallery Cafe opens at 5.30pm and the panel conversation begins at 6pm. At the free talk, an Auslan interpreter is available on request.You can listen to the Thursday Night Live! podcast now available on iTunes; Stitcher and Soundcloud.Thursday Night Live! is an evening of provocation, discussion and dialogue. Thursday Night Live! is a partnership event of Southern Cross University and the Lismore Regional Gallery.Suicide facts:Every year globally, close to 800 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. People of all ages, races, genders, incomes and family backgrounds commit suicide. But young people are especially at risk.Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. About 350 young people aged 15–24 take their own lives every year – more than die on the roads. For every youth suicide, there are 100 to 200 more attempts. Every year:Over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attemptMore than 3,000 Australians died by suicide in 2017 1Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age 2Young Australians are more likely to take their own life than die in motor vehicle accidentsIn 2017, about 75% of people who died by suicide were males and 25% were females 1In 2017, the suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was approximately twice that of non-Indigenous Australians 1

When Southern Cross University midwifery student Kirsty Barker thinks back to her Bronze medal success at UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast this week, she’ll always remember the little bub she helped deliver between games.Kirsty, 20, had just finished playing her second-last match with her Beach Volleyball partner – Southern Cross Uni Occupational Therapy student Taylor Witthun – when she received a call that one of her pregnant midwifery continuity links had gone into labour.“On Wednesday night after our game in Surfers Paradise I got called into Tweed Hospital to help deliver a baby,” the third-year midwifery student said.“It was an overnight nine-hour labour and bub was born just before 5am."I had a quick nap at home after that then headed back to the comp to play our last match where we won bronze!“More than anything I was thrilled mum and bub were healthy but also glad the timing meant I could still play."Crazily enough though the exact same thing actually happened last year as well when I delivered a baby in between two of the early games in the comp.”The Mermaid Beach local says she decided to study midwifery to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare.“Usually after delivering a baby I get a massive adrenaline rush and can’t sleep, but this time I glad I was able to nap before the game,” she said. “I felt a bit tired but I think the excitement and nerves took over with playing in the finals. I’ve helped deliver a few babies now and it’s really rewarding to be part of such a life-changing thing in someone’s life.”Southern Cross University shone at the UniSport Nationals this week with the Women’s Futsal team taking home the gold with the women’s Beach Volleyball also on the podium.Southern Cross University won the UniSport Nationals' Women's Futsal competition.Sport and Recreation Officer Dave Graham said 50 students from Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, online and even Perth satellite campus completed in the week-long event on the Gold Coast.“Congratulations to all of our players, coaches and staff for a massive week and a fantastic effort,” he said.The event brings together competitors from Australia's 43 universities to compete in individual and team sports such as badminton, basketball, futsal, golf, netball, sailing, tenpin bowling and water polo. Next year UniSport Nationals will be held in Perth.

A power outage which affected the whole of the Lismore area today was the result of a bushfire at Busbys Flat, about an hour away from Lismore in Richmond Valley.Areas toward the coast and inland were also affected by the power outage. “Earlier this afternoon TransGrid’s transmission lines south of Lismore were affected by a bushfire near Busbys Flat and the lines were suspended from service for safety reasons,” a TransGrid company spokesperson said. “The lines have been returned to service and TransGrid is working closely with Essential Energy to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible. “TransGrid is also liaising with the Rural Fire Service to monitor the ongoing status of fires.”  The power outage hit the Lismore region this afternoon at approximately 4pm, cutting off electricity supply to all households.Tonight, areas near Nymboida and Washpool are still without electricity, according to Essential Energy’s website.The bush fire burning at Busbys Flat, Wyan, Myrtle Creek and Rappville has burned more than 11800 hectares and is out of control, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service’s website.“The fire is moving quickly in an easterly direction and has crossed the Summerland Way and is currently impacting Duke Road, West Bungawalbin,” the NSW RFS reported.“This fire is very dangerous and is spreading quickly.“There are reports of a number of homes or buildings being destroyed by the fire in the Rappville area.“Under strong winds, embers are being blown ahead of the fire front, creating spot fires. These spot fires are threatening property earlier than the main fire front arrives.“Embers blown ahead of the Long Gully Road Fire have started spot fires just to the south of this fire in the area of Busbys Road, Wyan.“If you are in the path of the fire you are at risk.“A forecast wind change over the next few hours may see the fire moving in a more northerly direction.”

Nimbin is now under high tech surveillance, just as much as Lismore is.With 56 new digital CCTV cameras already installed and live in Lismore’s CBD - now Nimbin is also being included in the new wave of maximum surveillance to increase public safety.The new CCTV cameras in Lismore’s CBD were funded by a $433,000 federal government grant to Lismore City Council. Council also received a $250,000 NSW Community Safety Fund grant for expansion of the Lismore CBD CCTV network and renewal of the Nimbin CCTV system.Council’s Compliance Coordinator Matt Kelly said “the end result is a system that can be monitored through one control room.”The Nimbin CCTV renewal includes upgrading the five existing cameras as well as the addition of two new locations (in the Western Carpark and on Cullen Street opposite the community centre). Each location will have one pan-tilt zoom camera and one fixed camera providing 24/7 monitoring.The Nimbin system is a stand-alone system that can be viewed remotely from the Nimbin Police Station, Lismore Police Station or the Lismore CCTV control room.“In Lismore we will have excellent coverage throughout the CBD and down one of our main thoroughfares leaving the city centre, while in Nimbin we have significantly increased coverage along the main street,” Mr Kelly said.“In both cases, the old fixed cameras had blind spots whereas this technology is much more sophisticated and allows for 360-degree coverage as well as very high resolution imagery.“CCTV renewals were identified as a key safety action in Council’s Crime Prevention Plan so it’s great to see these upgrades come to fruition.”To read more about the CCTV cameras in Lismore’s CBD, read the Lismore App story Smile Lismore - you’re on maximum surveillance CCTV

There are 56 new digital CCTV cameras with high resolution imagery in Lismore’s CBD – and they are recording 24 hours a day.“They are looking for the naughty people,” Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan joked as he announced the new cameras were switched on and working.The new cameras are replacing the old analogue CCTV cameras in the CBD and will provide maximum surveillance throughout the CBD.Locations for the new camera are at the intersections of Woodlark and Dawson, Brewster and Uralba, and Brewster and Leycester streets.Each location will have one pan-tilt zoom camera and three fixed cameras, providing 24/7 monitoring. Mr Hogan said the new cameras will improve safety and lower crime.It’s live now and being monitored and streamed from Lismore Police Station.Locations of the new cameras in Lismore's CBD.Mr Hogan said funding for the new cameras came from a Federal government grant of $433,000 to Lismore City Council.“Council came to me three years ago to get the funding to replace the old system and to cover the blind spots in previous CBD camera coverage," Mr Hogan said.“Statistics show that when CCTV is introduced, crime in that area decreases.“There have been no problems in the CBD since the cameras have been installed."It helps with alcohol and violence related crimes and protects businesses in the CBD from break-ins."Lismore City Council development and compliance acting manager Chris Watts said expanding the limited old camera network was a key safety action in Council’s crime prevention plan for crime.“Footage is recorded 24 hours a day with remote access capability and security looks at it at night,” Mr Watts said.“It’s good that our regional city now has effective and modern safety measures in place.”Lismore City Council’s Chris Watts, General Manager Shelley Oldham, Mayor Isaac Smith and MP Kevin Hogan launching the new CCTV cameras in the Browns Creek/Clyde Campbell Carpark, behind the Richmond Hotel in Lismore’s CBD.Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith said replacing the 20 year old technology was important.“I know people who come to the CBD feel safer knowing it is monitored,” Mayor Smith said.“The extended coverage goes to the hospital to the riverbank and includes car parks.“If you’ve been out in the CDB at night and you know you can’t get a park in front of a restaurant, now you know you can park safely in the monitored car parks.”Read about Nimbin's new CCTV cameras in The Lismore App story Nimbin monitored with new CCTV surveillance

As actors, they might bicker on the stage, but Shae Salmon and her daughter Kashmir Miller are actually very supportive of each other.The two women are enjoying rehearsing their lines together - getting ready to perform in the stage play Witches Abroad at the Rochdale Theatre this week.The play by Lismore Theatre Company is a mash of witches and fairytales and good versus evil.It’s an adaptation of one of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fantasy books and has brought a cast - spanning generations - of local families to the stage.Shae and Kashmir have been on the stage together before, but Kashmir’s acting studies at Sydney Theatre School have allowed her to really help out her mum.“She prompts me when on stage if I forget lines,” Shae said. “It’s fun being with her and going to rehearsal three times a week.“We get on really well. We bicker and get more carried away in the play than we do in real life.”Shae, who plays Granny Weatherwax in the production, said Witches Abroad is a story of rival witches and good conquering evil - but that sometimes it’s uncertain what is good and what is evil.“Lily, the wicked godmother thinks she’s good, but manipulates people in the country and Genua city,” Shae said. “She makes stories out of the people and guides their lives so they fulfil her dreams of what the story should be.” Gray Wilson and Danyon Saxe-Wilson are in Witches Abroad.Shae said she watched the Terry Pratchet Discworld movies before joining the cast, but wanted to bring her “own sense of granny into the character”.“The play is shorter than the book’s story,” Shae said. “It’s been adapted from the novel by Henri Rennie, who was a friend of Terry Pratchett’s and gave him permission to write it.“Henri is an experienced actor and also the play’s director. He’ll be acting in the play as Toymaker, along with his wife Meredith Yardley who plays Mrs Pleasant, the palace cook.”The play has a cast of four family groupings - father and son, mother and sons, mother and daughter and husband and wife.Shae said “you might see a few people you know on stage”.“Peter Lehner, the Lismore choirmaster plays the baron,” Shae said. “He’s new to the stage.“There’s a few of Nimbin locals in the play too. “There’s also Sharon Brodie, Dave Brodie and Morgan Montague Elliott (mother and sons) and Gray Wilson and Danyon Saxe-Wilson (father and son).Gray Wilson, who plays Captain de Vere, is an experienced actor who is on stage with his son Danyon for the first time. Both of them say that while Gray has directed Danyon before, this opportunity to be on stage together is a long-held shared “dream come true”.Shae said in the production, the backstage crew have been working hard creating lighting and sound effects, and there’s lots of costumes. “I love being involved with community theatre,” Shae said.“Rochdale is beautiful theatre and we’d like more people come and support us.” Witches Abroad plays at the Rochdale Theatre on Ballina Road, Goonellabah on October 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20.Tickets cost $17 - $23. To book tickets, visit http://www.trybooking.com, or contact Lismore Theatre company http://www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au. 

If you, or someone you know needs help or support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.It’s ok to talk about mental health. Statistics show that three out of four people with mental health issues experience stigma. This October for Mental Health Month, a number of events are on offer for the Lismore community to work toward destigmatising mental health, including a free talk at Lismore Quad on World Mental Health Day, October 10.Read on to discover Mental Health Month events on October 9, 10, 18, 20 and 26.Healing with Nature: Wednesday, October 9, 10am to 12pmA Healing with Nature sharing circle for women will be held at Lismore Community Garden, this Wednesday, October 9.It’s a sharing circle for women about mental health and healing with nutrition, natural therapies and by getting out in nature. Healing with Nature will feature a discussion lead by local naturopath, Margaret Leadham and local bush therapist and bush regenerator Lorinda Wood.It is a part of Lismore City Council’s Feel Blue Touch Green project, and youth and family workers from Social Futures will also talk about services available. There will be a free morning tea and all local women are invited to Lismore Community Garden, 50 Brewster Street, Lismore.Opening Hearts and Minds – how do we talk about suicide?: Thursday, October 10, 6pmThursday Night Live! Is a free event at the Lismore Regional Gallery has the theme ‘Opening Hearts and Minds – how do we talk about suicide?’ You will hear a panel of experts from Beyond Empathy, Headspace and Rekindling The Spirit Ltd discuss and explore issues around suicide followed by an open Q&A session.World Mental Health Day, 10 October, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health and suicide prevention. Every year globally, close to 800 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout life.Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. About 350 young people aged 15–24 take their own lives every year – more than die on the roads. For every youth suicide, there are 100 to 200 more attempts. People of all ages, races, genders, incomes and family backgrounds commit suicide. But young people are especially at risk.Slate Gallery Cafe and bar opens at 5:30pm. Panel conversation commences at 6pm.It is a wheelchair accessible event and is a free event, ticketed for seating purposes only.Contact the gallery on 6627 4600 to request an Auslan interpreter. Slate Gallery cafe and bar opens at 5.30pm. The panel conversation commences at 6pm.Stampede Stigma: October 18, 10am-3pm and throughout the monthThe campaign intends to remove the fear and awkwardness around mental health by prompting people to talk about it. At Lismore Square and various sites.For information, visit www.stampedestigma.orgShare the journey: October 20, 9.30am-3pm. Wellways and Openminds bring the ‘Share the journey’ event to Lismore City Hall.The day will include theatre performances with a focus on mental health, as well as music, food and fun.Organisations are invited to participate in the event by having a display table. It’s an opportunity to showcase what your organisation does to help support people living with/ caring for people with mental health conditions. For information on having a display table, visithttps://socialfutures.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mental-Health-Week_Share-the-Journey_Lismore_AUGUST-2017_Invite_FINAL.pdfGreen Day: October 26: 1-4pmA fun event celebrating youth with live performances, art space, story sharing, obstacle course jumping castle and more at Lismore Quad.Poetry reading, BBQ and music performance: October 29: 11.30am-2pmShare your creativity and enjoy the creativity of others. Held at the back of 48 Uralba Street, Lismore.For more information about Mental Health Month activities, visithttps://mymomentum.org.au/event/mental-health-month-lismore/

When Lismore’s Sheliya Van Buggenum decided to get a cochlear implant five years ago, it was the beginning of her journey into helping others.Last week, Sheliya, 65, received a Northern Rivers Adult Volunteer of the Year award at a ceremony in Lismore, along with other locals recognised for their volunteer contributions to our communities.“I was born with no hearing in my right ear and then had lots of infections in my left ear - leading to more hearing loss,” she said.“I was struggling with my hearing. I couldn’t hear my phone, or the car indicators, or the microwave sounds - and finally to try a cochlear implant in my right ear. “It was a scary decision to make – to have someone operate on your ear - and I put it off for two years.“But I decided I had nothing to lose and it was the best thing I ever did.“Now I feel more connected to the world than I would be without it.”As a result of her struggles when she first got her impant, Sheliya decided to voluntarily start a support group for others struggling with hearing loss and implants.“I didn’t take well to my implant and there was no support group here, so I wanted to start one.“I wanted to tell people it’s not so scary – that if they are struggling, the results of having an implant are mostly good and they can overcome the problems. Sheliya organises and runs Cicada - a kids peer support group for people looking to get cochlear implants and their family members.“We answer their questions and give them advice,” she said. Then four years ago, the Sydney Cochlear Implant group, who work with the Lismore branch of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children contacted her and asked Sheliya if she could do auditory training with new implant recipients.“I help people after they receive their implants and support them to adjust to their new hearing, including learning or re-learning language skills and helping with digital aids.”Sheliya said when she received the news that she had won a volunteer award, she was shocked.“I burst into tears, I was so shocked - I never win anything,” she laughed.Sheliya said she intends to keep volunteering and loves her work. The other recipient of a NSW 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Northern Rivers region was Senior Volunteer of the Year, Robert Grasby, from Coraki Golf Club. Robert also won the overall Northern Rivers 2019 Volunteer of the Year category for his work in almost single-handedly keepng the Coraki Golf Club operating through his volunteer work on the greens.Bob’s volunteer work has ensured the club survived difficult financial times and now thrives with better facilities and a growing membership.The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering and has grown to become one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.Regional finalists for the awards are announced at 21 ceremonies throughout NSW and are invited to the Gala State Ceremony in Sydney to celebrate the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year.The Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate said volunteers from across the region had given so much to the local community.“Your volunteers build connections for people in towns and communities across the region,” Ms Rygate said.“They help to build such positive experiences and links to services across health, education and community sectors. Our ceremony today recognises their work and gives us the chance to say thank you.”

Another person has been caught using a camera at Lismore Local Court, Richmond Police District alleged this morning."This is the second incident of this nature in the last week. If you are coming to Court please turn your phone off and concentrate on the proceedings," Richmond Police District said in a Facebook post.Police officers will allege that at 10.45am on Friday a 25-year-old Lismore man was in a court room at Lismore Local Court. A Sheriff had seen the 25-year-old using his mobile phone to record a video.His phone was seized and a photo of the foyer of the court was also seen.The man was taken to to Lismore Police Station where he told police he took the photos for his Snap Chat account followers.The photo was deleted and he was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for 'Use Recording Device In Court Premises'.He will appear at Lismore Local Court (again) in November.Lismore Police added: "You will be searched as you enter a Court, so you may also want to leave your weapons and drugs at home. Yes, we do catch people bringing drugs and weapons to Court!"

Temperatures are tipped to reach 40 degrees on Sunday. With the rising heat wave over the long weekend, people are being reminded to keep informed about the conditions and look after their health.The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures in the mid to high 30s and increasing across the state from Saturday, October 5 and peaking at 40 degrees on Sunday, October 6. Some regional areas will remain hot and windy on Monday, October 7. Models are indicating that new early season maximum temperature records may be broken for several inland locations. Raised dust may be a concern for the State’s west during Sunday as the winds become fresh and gusty. Visit www.bom.gov.au for updated weather forecasts and warnings.With these conditions expected, police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).For more information on staying healthy in the heat, please visit NSW Health’s ‘Beat the Heat’ website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheatImportantly, motorists are reminded it is never okay to leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a car – even with the air conditioning running. Not only is this dangerous, it can be deadly.Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided, where possible. Additionally, no animal should be left in confined, unventilated areas.The RSPCA has a multitude of advice available online for reducing heat stress for animals: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/pet-hazards/heat-stress.While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools. Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown. Special care should be taken when swimming in rivers and dams where submerged items may pose elevated and/or unexpected risks.Members of the public should also be aware of the increased risk of bushfires on days with high temperature, especially when combined with windy conditions. The Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging those heading away this long weekend to check fire conditions and have a plan in the event they are threatened by fire. Check the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me NSW app and listen to local radio for updates. Visit the Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au) for bushfire preparedness advice and current conditions/warnings.Finally, in the event of an emergency, please call 000 (Triple Zero).

With school holidays underway and the October long weekend approaching - which coincides with the end of Queensland school holidays - Transport for NSW advises our highways will see heavy traffic and some delays. So if you’re heading out on a road trip, here’s some advice about planning for road works, taking it slow and making it to your destination safely.If you are thinking of taking your bicycle on the back of your car, read the Lismore App story Motorists cop $400 fines for putting bicycles on the back of carsOn the road, double demerits apply this weekend for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.Don’t forget daylight savings kicks in this Sunday, October 6, where clocks go forward one hour (5am becomes 6am).Read on to see detailed information about which roads will be experiencing delays.Based on traffic flow information from previous years and predictive analytics, motorists can expect heavy holiday traffic at the following locations on the NSW North Coast: Pacific Highway at WoodburnMotorists heading south are advised of expected heavy traffic on the Pacific Highway near Woodburn.Changed traffic conditions will be in place to keep motorists moving on Monday 7 October between 9am and 5pm. These times may vary depending on traffic volumes.Motorists will be temporarily restricted from turning right from the Court Street Bridge onto the Pacific Highway.Access to Woodburn Street will also be restricted with traffic unable to enter or exit Woodburn Street at the intersection with the highway.Pacific Highway at Woodburn - northbound Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Saturday 5 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 15 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expectedPacific Highway at Tweed Heads - northboundFriday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 20 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Ulmarra - northbound Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.Monday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected. Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour - northbound Northbound trip on Friday 4 October between 10am and 3pm delays of 10 to 15 minutes can be expected. Northbound trip on Saturday 5 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour - southboundMonday 7 October between 10am and 3pm delays of 5 to 10 minutes can be expected.  Pacific Highway at Hexham - northbound Friday 4 October between 6am and 10am delays of up to 10 minutes, between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected. Saturday 5 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected. Pacific Highway at Hexham – southboundMonday 7 October between 10am and 12pm delays of up to 10 minutes, between 12pm and 3pm delays of up to 30 minutes and between 3pm and 6pm delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected. Nelson Bay Road at Salt AshMonday 7 October between 10am and 3pm delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.Changed traffic conditions and night work for Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions and night work on the Pacific Highway from Monday 30 September to Sunday 6 October for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade. There will be no roadwork carried out on the Pacific Highway between Kew and the Queensland border from 6am Friday 4 October to 6pm Tuesday 8 October due to the high traffic volumes expected for the long weekend. Emergency maintenance and safety repair work will be carried out as required. From Monday, there will be four nights of work on the Pacific Highway between Devils Pulpit and Woodburn to carry out line marking and paving and to install traffic barriers. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic control between 6pm and 6am. Also from Monday, there will be three days of work on the Pacific Highway at Maclean to carry out paving for the new interchange. Motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 60km/h between 7am and 6pm. Tabulam Bridge maintenance Motorists are advised of continued changed traffic conditions and delays on the Bruxner Highway at Tabulam while essential maintenance is carried out on Tabulam Bridge.Maintenance activities will take another four weeks to complete, weather permitting, with work being carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays. Motorists may experience delays of up to 15 minutes while work is carried out. These delays will be confined to outside school start and finish times once students return on October 14, and queues will be managed to minimise disruptions to the travelling public.  Traffic control and a reduced speed limit are in place for the safety of workers and motorists. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and to follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Plan your trip You can plan you trip by visiting the holiday journeys webpage: rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys If you are keen to take an alternative route to your holiday destination which avoids the know pinch points, Destination NSW offers advice to plan your trip www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/drives-and-road-trips Additional message boards will be displaying real time information ahead of key traffic hotspots to assist travellers plan ahead or refer to Live Traffic to real time updates. Transport for NSW director of operations Mr Jonathon Crocker said Transport for NSW is helping motorists by providing information about traffic hotspots and alternative road options that may provide a smoother journey.  “We’ve used a combination of traffic data from previous years and predictive analytics to help motorists better understand what to expect on their journeys.” “It’s important to remember the delay information is in addition to the time it would take to travel through these areas on an average day. “We will also have Transport for NSW staff set up at the Warnervale Service Centres, and Clybucca and Yelgun rest areas ahead of known hotspots and delay points to give real time traffic information, return journey details, safety tips and support to travellers. “Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, get a good night’s sleep before they travel and take regular breaks.” Find out about traffic updatesFor the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.For information about local roadworks, visit The Lismore App Roadworks section.

Police Highway Patrol are warning motorists to not obscure their number plates by putting their bikes on the back of their cars.Richmond District Police have reported more people are riding their pushbikes as the days are getting hotter and longer.“Unfortunately, Police Highway Patrol are seeing more and more people putting their bikes on the back of their cars and obscuring their number plates,” a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said.“Upon speaking to some drivers, it becomes apparent they are intentionally obscuring their plates in order to avoid police discovering information about the car and the driver.“If you are taking the bikes out, please make sure your number plate is not obscured in any way. “The fine for doing so in the $400 range. “You can get a small plate from the RMS at a fraction of the cost of a fine. “Also, writing your plate number on a piece of cardboard simply won't cut it.“Please share this information with someone who puts their bikes on the back of their cars. “It may save them from copping a large fine.”If you are on the road this weekend, read The Lismore App story Heads up on highway delays this long weekend